DOMINION ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 10 March 1939, Page 6

DOMINION ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS

OFFICIALS ARRIVING AT NAPIER OLYMPIC CEREMONIALS TO BE INTRODUCED rUnited Press Association! NAPIER, 9th March. Officials and delegates have begun to arrive at Napier from all parts of New Zealand for the New Zealand track and field championships, which will be held on McLean Park, Napier, on Friday. The outstanding innovation at this meeting will be the holding of a marathon, the title for which is to be competed for over a distance of 26 miles, 385 yards, on a course running to Hastings and back. The trophy will be a 10guinea cup which has been donated by a well-known Napier sportsman, Mr T. Parker. The introduction of many of the ceremonial characteristics of an Olympic Games meeting will heighten interest in the events. Immediately after a chainpionshinp event has been decided the place-winners will mount the victory stand and be presented with their medals. The winner will stand in the centre, with the second man on his right and the third man on his left. During the presentation the provincial fiag of each place-winner will be flown on the masthead in order of th ’ placings. One of the most impressive features i of the opening ceremonies will be the ( taking of the oath by S. Lay. senior Olympic Games representative, on behalf of the assembled teams, to compete "In the name of the King Emperor, for the glory of their province and the sport.” WORLD RECORD EQUALLED MISS DECIMA NORMAN’S SUCCESS AUCKLAND. 9th March. The world’s record for the 100 yards I women's sprint of 1 lscc was equalled at Sturge’s Park, Otahuhu. to-night by the Australian athlete, Miss Dccima Norman, holder of several records established at the British Empire Games. According to statements by officials of the Auckland centre, however. the record will not be recognised as the time was registered with the advantage of a following wind.

Miss Nonnan was also a member of the relay team which covered the 440 yards’ course in 50sec. the time being one-fifth of a second outside the world record and equalling the existing New Zealand record.